A Jewel of Baroque Architecture: The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Krakow
May 6, 2021
Discover the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Krakow – the city’s first Baroque church, home to a Foucault Pendulum, and a National Pantheon. A must-visit site!
May 6, 2021
Krakow’s First Baroque Church with a Scientific Legacy
Krakow, a city celebrated for its rich history and architectural wonders, is home to many remarkable landmarks. However, one church stands out as an extraordinary blend of history, art, and science—the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. As Krakow’s first Baroque church, this landmark is not only a stunning architectural feat but also a site of national significance and scientific curiosity. Here’s why it deserves a dedicated visit.
The First Baroque Church in Krakow
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, located in St. Mary Magdalene Square, holds the distinction of being Krakow’s first fully Baroque church. Construction began in 1597, under the direction of Italian architect Giovanni de Rossi, and was completed in 1619. Unlike the many Gothic and Renaissance churches in Krakow, this one introduced a new architectural style to the city, inspired by the great Baroque churches of Rome.
Over the centuries, it was managed by different religious orders, including the Jesuits, the Krakow Academy, and the Cistercians, before becoming part of the All Saints Parish in the mid-19th century.
Architectural Grandeur Inspired by Rome
The church’s façade is a true masterpiece of Italian Baroque architecture, modeled after the famous Il Gesù and Santa Susanna churches in Rome. Its statues of Jesuit saints add a distinctive character, while the twelve sculptures of the Apostles outside the entrance create a monumental and welcoming effect. These sculptures, originally from the 18th century, were replaced with faithful replicas in the 20th century to preserve their grandeur.
Inside, visitors are captivated by the stucco decorations created by Giovanni Battista Falconi and Kazimierz Kaliski. The high Baroque altar, designed by Kacper Bażanka, houses the painting "Giving the Keys to Saint Peter" by Józef Brodowski (1820). Every detail within the church embodies the artistic excellence of the Baroque era.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Krakow – A Baroque architectural marvel
A Scientific Marvel – Poland’s Longest Foucault Pendulum
While Krakow is known for its historical and religious sites, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the very few churches in the world with a scientific installation—the Foucault Pendulum. Measuring 46.5 meters, it is the longest in Poland and is suspended from the church’s dome.
This unique scientific feature demonstrates the rotation of the Earth, making it a remarkable fusion of faith and science. Weekly demonstrations are held every Thursday, attracting both tourists and local science enthusiasts eager to witness this fascinating experiment in action.
Explore Krakow in a fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly way with a Krakow City Tour by electric golf cart. This sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, especially for first-time visitors or travellers with limited time who want to see the highlights without long walks.
During the ride, you will explore key areas of Krakow, including the Old Town surroundings, Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district, and parts of Podgórze, where the famous Schindler’s Factory was located. A professionally prepared audio guide provides historical context and helps you understand the city’s past and character.
This electric car tour allows you to see more in less time while staying comfortable in all weather conditions, making it an easy and practical way to start exploring Krakow.
Duration: 1h - 2hAudio GuideTransportation included
Explore Krakow’s Old Town at your own pace with a professionally prepared audio guide. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the most important sites of the historic centre, including Krakow’s Main Square and its surrounding streets. Listen to engaging commentary filled with history, fascinating facts, legends and local trivia – an ideal introduction to Krakow for first-time visitors and independent travellers.
Explore Krakow on a guided city tour with a licensed local guide. Walk through the city’s most iconic districts, such as the Old Town or Kazimierz, and learn about their history through engaging stories and reliable historical insights. This tour is a perfect introduction to Krakow, offering both famous landmarks and lesser-known places explained by a professional guide who is happy to answer your questions.
Duration: 2h - 3hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Join a Krakow ghost tour that reveals the city’s darkest secrets after nightfall. This guided walk through the Old Town combines spooky legends, true crime stories and dark history, told in an engaging, thriller-style narrative by a licensed local guide. If you enjoy chills, mystery and a different side of Krakow, this evening experience is for you. Recommended for participants aged 15 and over.
A National Pantheon – The Final Resting Place of Great Poles
In 2010, the church was transformed into one of Poland’s National Pantheons, serving as a final resting place for distinguished figures in Polish culture, science, and art.
The Pantheon, located in the catacombs beneath the church, is the burial site of notable figures such as:
Sławomir Mrożek – writer and playwright
Zygmunt Wróblewski – physicist and chemist
Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek – religious and social leader
This makes the church not just an architectural and religious landmark, but also a place of national remembrance and heritage.
Why Visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul?
While Krakow is filled with historic churches, this one stands out for three key reasons:
It was Krakow’s first Baroque church, introducing a new architectural style to the city.
It houses the longest Foucault Pendulum in Poland, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation.
It serves as a National Pantheon, honoring great Polish figures.
Located along the Royal Route, leading to Wawel Castle, this church is an essential stop for those exploring the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Explore Krakow in a fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly way with a Krakow City Tour by electric golf cart. This sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, especially for first-time visitors or travellers with limited time who want to see the highlights without long walks.
During the ride, you will explore key areas of Krakow, including the Old Town surroundings, Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district, and parts of Podgórze, where the famous Schindler’s Factory was located. A professionally prepared audio guide provides historical context and helps you understand the city’s past and character.
This electric car tour allows you to see more in less time while staying comfortable in all weather conditions, making it an easy and practical way to start exploring Krakow.
Duration: 1h - 2hAudio GuideTransportation included
Explore Wawel Castle in Krakow from the outside and understand its history, architecture, and royal significance during a relaxed self-guided walk with a professional audio guide. This tour focuses on Wawel Hill and the castle grounds, offering clear historical context before visiting the castle interiors or booking Wawel Castle tickets.
Once the former residence of Polish kings, Wawel Castle remains one of the most important landmarks in Poland. This audio tour helps you experience the site with deeper understanding – without rushing, crowds, or fixed schedules – making it an ideal introduction to any Wawel Castle visit.
Explore Krakow on a guided city tour with a licensed local guide. Walk through the city’s most iconic districts, such as the Old Town or Kazimierz, and learn about their history through engaging stories and reliable historical insights. This tour is a perfect introduction to Krakow, offering both famous landmarks and lesser-known places explained by a professional guide who is happy to answer your questions.
Duration: 2h - 3hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Explore Krakow’s Old Town at your own pace with a professionally prepared audio guide. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the most important sites of the historic centre, including Krakow’s Main Square and its surrounding streets. Listen to engaging commentary filled with history, fascinating facts, legends and local trivia – an ideal introduction to Krakow for first-time visitors and independent travellers.
Duration: 1h - 2h
Audio Guide
Transportation included
Skip-theLine
